Exclusive: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey looks back at first year in office

By Cooper Rummell | January 10, 2016 at 5:32 amUPDATED: January 11, 2016 at 7:54 am

State treasurer and former CEO Doug Ducey speaks to supporters as he claims victory on winning the Republican primary for Arizona governor Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, in Phoenix. Ducey defeated the other Republican candidates and will face Democrat Fred DuVal, who was unopposed in the primary, in November. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX — Things actually can get done in government. That was Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s biggest surprise after being sworn into office one year ago.

“We were able to balance the budget (and) pass significant legislation,” Ducey said of the state’s accomplishments in the first year of his term.

Almost immediately after Ducey was inaugurated, it became clear education funding was at the top of the governor’s to-do list. In June, he announced Proposition 123, which would increase K-12 education funding without raising taxes.

“By using the state land trust in a way that it has never been used before to a really positive solution for all the kids and parents and teachers across the state,” he said.